Bang in Switzerland: Ski boss changes sides

The 55-year-old Swiss national will become CEO of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS), assuming his new position at the end of September. Lehmann's subordination to FIS President Eliasch in the hierarchy may seem unusual given the tensions between the two in recent years. However, the association's press release noted that the tensions have now calmed down. "Following the very positive development of our collaboration, we have decided to join forces to lead FIS into the future," Lehmann was quoted as saying.

Eliasch, who has led the FIS since June 2021, is also optimistic about the upcoming collaboration. "Strengthening our leadership position with Urs is an important step to ensure that we are best positioned to meet the major challenges of the coming years," said the 63-year-old.

ÖSV surprised by Lehmann's move The ÖSV registered the incident “with surprise.” Lehmann's future tasks would probably correspond to those of an FIS Secretary General, said ÖSV Secretary General Christian Scherer to WATER "The role of a CEO is not defined in the FIS Statutes. This decision will, in any case, have to be clarified with the FIS Executive Board."

Urs Lehmann resigned from his position as president of the Swiss Federation. © AFP / FABRICE COFFRINI

In principle, Lehmann has done a good job in Switzerland, Scherer said. "Urs has shown he can do it. Like everyone else, he will be judged on his performance. By strengthening its management team in this way, the ÖSV also expects substantial additional revenue and improved overall performance within the organization." Scherer added that they will closely monitor the FIS's financial development over the next three years.

Great loss for Switzerland Lehmann served on the Swiss board for 19 years and shaped the recently successful era of World Cup dominance, Marco Odermatt. In the past six years, Switzerland has won the World Cup five times, and the 2025 World Championships in Saalbach-Hinterglemm, with 13 medals (5 gold, 5 silver, 3 bronze), is considered the crowning example of Switzerland's enormous upswing thanks to his involvement. The move can therefore also be seen as a significant loss.

Until the next Swiss Ski Executive Board meeting in mid-September, Lehmann will continue to steer the Swiss association's fortunes together with Co-President Peter Barandun. A possible path forward is to be developed by then.

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Bang in Switzerland: Ski boss changes sides

Urs Lehmann is stepping down as President of the Swiss Ski Federation and moving to the World Ski Federation – despite his disagreements with FIS President Johan Eliasch.

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